60 seconds with Emily Baker
Emily Baker, clinical research nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and CCLG member, tells us about her career so far, the most rewarding part of her job, and more.
“Writing gave me something to focus on”
Raysa Farah’s son, S’aad, was diagnosed with leukaemia aged two. Here, she explains how her and S’aad’s experiences during his treatment inspired her to write a children’s book, empowering both her and other young children with cancer.
Donating cancer samples for research
A biobank is a store for cancer samples which are then released for research studies. Professor Deb Tweddle, Director of VIVO Biobank, Professor of Paediatric Oncology and Honorary Consultant at Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals, and Dr Mariya Geneshka, Research Associate at the University of York, tell us more about donating samples for biobanking, and its importance to improving treatment and care.
The importance of involving parents in shaping research and resources for families
Helen Pearson, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in solid tumours, researcher and CCLG member, explains how the findings of a study have helped co-design an important new web resource to support families.
Appreciating every moment
Kay Lewis’ daughter, Maisy, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma in both eyes when she was nine months old. Kay explains what helped them after treatment, and how Maisy continues to inspire her.
How a walk-and-talk group is supporting families of children with cancer
Charlotte Hillyard’s daughter, Jess, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2023 aged three. Knowing the importance of peer-to-peer support, Charlotte and her husband, Lee, set up Walking Warriors Essex earlier this year to bring together families of children with cancer to share their feelings and experiences.
It starts with a smile
Caroline Cleaver is a proton beam liaison nurse at Manchester Children’s Hospital and CCLG member, whose twin sister was diagnosed with leukaemia when they were 19 years old. She tells us how this inspired her career in children’s cancer nursing and what helps her build relationships with patients and families under her care.
What is patient and public involvement (PPI) in research?
Dr Sarah Evans, Head of Research at CCLG, describes what patient and public involvement (PPI) involves. PPI is about researchers and those who fund research teaming up with people who have personal experience with a health condition. This collaboration helps make sure that research focuses on what really matters to the people it’s meant to help, like patients and their families.
Building a good relationship with your child's doctor during treatment
The relationship between oncologists and parents of children with cancer can be complex and unique, with each family having differing needs. Dr Ren Manias, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Southampton General Hospital and Contact's medical adviser, tells us how open and honest communication between doctors and parents is key to developing trust and understanding, and why this is important.